- Place
- Elektrėnai Municipality
- Region
- Vilnius Region
- Type
- early-twentieth-century Neo-Baroque twin-towered parish church
- Address
- 16 Bažnyčios Street, Vievis, LT-21377, Elektrėnai Municipality
- Coordinates
- 54.77000, 24.81750
- Visit duration
- 30-60 minutes for the exterior, churchyard and square
- Best time
- in daylight and outside Mass; arrange an interior visit with the parish
Vievis St Anne Parish Church
A church beside Dariaus ir Girėnas Square
Vievis St Anne's Church is an active parish church at 16 Bažnyčios Street. Its front approach faces the town and Dariaus ir Girėnas Square, so a visit is worth extending beyond the facade to the gates, churchyard edge and relationship with the square.
The church, churchyard and immediate square setting form one sacred-heritage place. The Vievis cultural-centre route, Lake Vievis and Kazokiškės parish are separate stops.
From wooden churches to the 1931 consecration
A church near the settlement is known from around 1550, and a 1683 letter from the Bishop of Vilnius already mentions a church in Vievis. Later wooden churches burned, including the last one in 1907.
That same year, engineer and architect Vaclovas Michnevičius prepared plans for a new brick church. The First World War interrupted the work, but construction resumed in 1923 after Lithuania's independence. The main building was completed and consecrated in 1931, combining an earlier design with an interwar construction history.
A twin-towered Neo-Baroque basilica
The present church is recognisable by its symmetrical facade, two-level towers, central pediment and rhythm of arched windows. Classical elements appear alongside its Neo-Baroque forms, giving the facade a layered rather than purely decorative character.
The church has two bells. One was cast in 1937 at the Masalcevo foundry in Kaunas and dedicated to Saint Joseph. Listed artworks include the paintings Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Cecilia and a wooden Crucified figure, although seeing them depends on interior access.
A parish timetable is not tourist opening time
Sunday Mass is held at 09:00 and 12:00. This helps with a religious visit, but the church may not remain open all day for self-guided sightseeing. Ask the parish about the interior, photography and other visiting times.
The square and churchyard may include steps, gates or uneven surfaces. Accessibility depends on the particular entrance, so visitors with mobility needs should ask the parish about the entrance, seating and toilet arrangements.
Planning a visit to the church
Allow 30-60 minutes for the facade, churchyard and square. If you arrive during Mass, follow the church's order and avoid photography or tour behaviour that would disturb worship.
The church can be combined with the Road Museum in Vievis or the Earth Science Information Centre. They are separate sites with their own opening hours, tickets and access conditions.
